Is It Necessary To Consult Pain Specialist For Pain In Shoulders?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an x-ray taken of my shoulders, both are in great pain, particularly the left one.
I was told that I have a serious arthritic problem in my left shoulder. My primary doctor suggested I see a pain doctor. Isn't a doctor who specializes in this area of medicine?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Orthopedic doctor and pain doctor would be the specialists to consult

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

with arthritis there is usually the option of cooling, heating, physical therapy, pain medication and cortisone shots. In the end, depending how bad it is there is the option of arthroscopic intervention or endoprothesis. Here an orthopedist is the main specialist to consult. A pain doctor can also give you relief wih special pain medication, in my opinion only when the orthopedist doesn't get further with above mentioned options.

Hope this is helping you, please get back to me if you have any questions, please kindly rate if helpful. Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D